Mandrel



1933- T. L. HUGHES El Al 1,921,125

MANDREL Filed Oct. 2, .1931, 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.1.

I INVENOR p WET -4fl ATTORN EYJ' Aug. 8, 1933- T. L. HUGHES ET AL 1,921,125

MANDREL Filed Oct. 2,1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS fl T W 8 ATTORNEYJ 4 m y i .I W I a Aug. 8, 1933- T. L. HUGHES El" AL 1,921,125

MANDREL Filed 001:. 2, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR S 7 u M BY ATTORNEYI Aug. 8, 1933- T. L. HUGHES ET AL MANDREL Filed Oct. 2, 1931 ATTORNEYS 5 SheetsSheet 4 INVENTORS g- 1933- T. L. HUGHES ET AL I 11,921,325

MANDREL Filed Oct. 2, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 F IG.9.

132 INVENTORJ $6 M. W M

BY ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 8, 1933 r r 1,921,125

UNITED STATES PATENT oF lcs MANDREL Thomas L; Hughes, Youngstown, Ohio, and Albert E. Twist, Jr., Rutherford, N. J., assignors' to Raymond Concrete Pile Company, New York, N. Y., a Corporation of New Jersey Application October. 2, 1931. SerialNo. 566,400

35 Claims (01.153-69) This invention comprises improvements in .Fig. 2 is a cross-section showing the mandrel mandrels adapted to engage the interior walls of expanded into the shell. V I thin annular shells for supporting the shells Fig. 3 is a cross-section on line 3-3 of Fig. 2 while various operations are performed thereon. showing the mandrel collapsed.

The invention has particular utility in connec- Fig. 4 is a cross-section on line 4-4 of Fig. 2. 60 tion with thin metal shells used in the formation Fig. 5 is a cross-section on line 55 of Fig. 2. of concrete piles; and for the'purpose of illustra- Fig. 6 is a cross-section on line 6-6 of Fig. v3.

rated in a machine for corrugating pile shells. but with the mandrel expanded- Such a machine is shown in PatentNo. 1,659,166 Fig. 8 is a cross-section on line 88. of Fig. 65

issued Feb. 14, 1928, to F. A. Schroeder. Fig. v9 is a cross-section on line.9.-9 of'Figj'L That machine has a three-leaf mandrel with but with the mandrel collapsed. means for moving the leaves radially outwardly Fig. 10 is a cross-section on line "1010"of to engage the shell and radially inwardly to re[ Fig. 7. 3 H

lease the shell. One difficulty encounteredinthe Fig. 11 is a cross-section on line' 1l11 of 70 operation of that machine is due to the fact that ,Fig. 5. j i the leaves, while in expanded position, do not Supported for rotation in base (Fig.1) is contact along their adjacent edges and therea hollow vertical shaft 22 on the upper end of fore while the mandrel is in operative position its which is carried a chuck 24 upon which is mount- 20 surface is broken by gaps between the leavesand ed the collapsible. mandrel 26. The chuck and 75 the. corrugating tools tend to push the metal of mandrel will be later described in detail. the shell into those gaps, thus impairing the Power is supplied to the machine by shaft .28 smoothness of the machining operation and of and pinion 30 which engages gear 32fastened on the product itself. 7 shaft 22. Also fastened on shaft 22 is gear 34,

The leaves can be retracted from the shell only which, through pinions 36' and suitable trans- 80 until the edges of the leaves contact with each mission gears 38, 40,, 42, rotate vertical shafts 44 other at home position. The further they move to transverse carriages 46, 46 along, guide-ways outwardly the larger the gaps become. If the 48, 48. Supported in each carriage 46 isa coramount of radial travel is held down in order to rugating roll 50. Y p

reduce the gaps to a minimum while the man- Vertical columns 52 at the rear of themachine' 5 drel is expanded, then the diameter of the mansupport an upper framework, not shown, which drel at home position is not reduced sufliciently inturn supports the upper ends of waysf48, and to permit easy removal of the corrugated shell, carries a bearing 54 for engaging the upper'endi. e., the corrugations of the shell do not clear of the mandrel.

the corrugations of the mandrel, and it is neces- The mandrel is helically corrugated through- 90 sary to unscrew the shells from the mandrel even out its length, and is collapsible, as will be exthough the shells be tapered. The unscrewing plained. In operation, the mandrel isfirst coloperation, of course, requires much more time lapsed; then the shell 56 to" be corrugated is than would be the case if the shell could be lifted slipped over the mandrel; the mandrel is then oil the mandrel without unscrewing. W expanded; the machine is then set in motion 95 Objects of the present invention are" to overwhereby the mandrel and shell are slowly-rotatcome the above difliculties by providing an exed while rollers 50 press the shell into the corpansible mandrel having no gaps between leaves rugations of the mandrel; and finally the manwhile the leaves are in operative position, and drel is collapsed and the corrugated shell re- 7 tion of the invention, it is described as incorpo- .Fig. 7 is a cross-section on line '7'7 of Fig.6,

having leaves sufficiently retractible to permit moved. r 100 lifting the corrugated shell offthe mandrel with- The improvements covered by the'present inout any unscrewing beingrequired. vention pertain. particularly to the mandrel and Further and other objects and advantages will chuck, the mandrel details beingshown in Figs. be apparent from the specification and claims, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11, while the chuck details are and from the accompanying drawings which 11- in Figs. '7, 8, 9 and 10. f

lustrate what is now considered the preferred The mandrel has four sectors instead of three embodiment of the invention. sectors as in former practice. .There are 'two Fig. 1 shows the lower portion of the machine, diametrically opposed long (measured =circumpartly in section, during the process of corrugatferentially) sectors 58, 58, and two diametrically inga shell. 7 opposed short; sectors 60, 60. Each sector, 58

stands upright on a chuck plate 62 which is slidably radially in guides 64 in chuck 24, while each sector is similarly mounted on a plate 66 slidable radially in guides 68. Sectors 58 and 60 have flanged bases '70 and 72 respectively attached by bolts 74 to chuck plates 62 and 66.

On the under sides of chuck plates 62 and 66 are bosses '76 and '18 supporting downwardly projecting studs and 82 respectively.

On the lower ends of studs 80 are follower rollers 84 adapted to roll in cam slots 86 cut in cam plate 88, while on the lower ends of studs 82 are follower blocks 90 adapted to slide in cam slots 92, also cut in the cam plate.

Slots 86 and 92 cause. radial movements of mandrel sectors 58 and 60 respectively whenever the chuck is rotated relatively to the cam plate. Referring to Fig. 8, pins 80 and 82 are shown in this outer position with the mandrel fully .expanded. It will be noted that the outer ends of slots 86 are concentric with the circumference of the chuck for about half the lengths of the slots,

which means that considerable rotation of the chuck from the position shown may occur before .pins 80 begin to move inwardly. On the other hand; slots 92 are so shaped that pins 82 begin to'move inwardly the instant the chuck begins to turn relatively to the cam plate. This means that pins 82 and sectors 60 have moved radially inwardlyf for quite a distance before pins 80 and sectors 58"b'egin to move inwardly, after which the sectors all move inwardly simultaneously.

The mandrel sectors are shown in expanded relationship in Fig. 5. It will be seen that there are no breaks or gaps in the circumference.

When the above described collapsing operationtakes place, sectors 58 remain stationary until sectors 60 have moved inwardly sufficiently so that edges 94'of sectors 60 are clear of edges 96 of sectors 58, after which all four sectors moveinwardly together, the edges 94 of sectors 60 entering into grooves 98 of sectors 58 as shown in Fig. 6. By this apparatus the outer dimensions 'of the mandrel are decreased to such an extent (Figs. 3 and 6) that the corrugated shell may be lifted off the mandrel without the necessity of v unscrewing the shell.

band to drum 100.

' The means for collapsingand expanding the mandrel will now be described.

Cam plate 88 is adapted for rotation around hub 102 of chuck body 24; and plate 88 has a depending rim 100, around which is a suitably supported brake band 104, having toggle links 106,

108 operably connected to a piston rod'llOwhich may be rotated in either direction, preferably by reversible motor 122 which drives shaft 28. While thecorrugating operation is going on, the brake is kept out of contact with drum 100 by pushing air in cylinder 120. When the corrugating oper-f' ation is finished and it is desired to collapse the mandrel in order to remove the shell therefrom,

the' air is released from the cylinder, allowing spring 114 to apply the brake to the rim of cam" plate 88 and then the mandrel is rotated by means --in operative position.

of the motor in such direction relatively to the stationary cam plate as to cause slots 86 and 92 to collapse the mandrel as described above.

The corrugated shell is then removed and the next shell to be corrugated is placed on the mandrel. Then, with the cam plate still stationary, the mandrel is turned in the reverse direction, whereupon cam slots 86 and 92 will expand the 'mandrel again into operative position. Then air is admitted into cylinder 120 again to release the brake and allow the cam plate to rotate with the mandrel while the corrugating operation is taking place, after which the collapsing and expanding operations will again be carried out.

In order to aid the mandrel sectors in resisting the radial pressure of the corrugating wheels, reinforcing devices are provided at spaced intervals' in the mandrel. These devices comprise collars 125 fastened to a vertical shaft 126, slidingfreely through shaft 22, and each having a pair of arms-128 adapted to reinforce sectors 58 and a pair of arms 130 to reinforce sectors 60. Each arm 128 and 130 is equipped with a hardened plate 132 (Fig. 11) adapted to contact with a hardened plate 134, fastened to a sector. Plates 134 slope upwardly and outwardlyso there is a certain amount of wedging action between plates 132 and 134. -Sh'aft 126 is vertically movable by air cylinder 136 in the base of the machine. While 'corrugating is being done, air pressure is maintained in the top of cylinder 136 to draw the reinforcing arrns down "into their reinforcing positions.

On the upper end of shaft 126 is a disc 138 which can drop between ears 140 on the tops of the sectors only when the mandrel is fully expanded, thus providing an indicator to prevent operation of the machine until the mandrel sectors are in proper position. When the mandrel is to be collapsed, pressure infthe lower end of cylinder 136 serves to raise shaft 126 with collars 125 and disc 138' out of engagement with the mandrel sectors.

The mandrel and chuck are supported for rotation by ball bearing 142 on frame 20.

On-top of the mandrel sectors and surrounding ears 140 is a safety ring 144 which serves to prevent the sectors flying apart at their upper ends due'to centrifugal force, 'shouldthe mandrel be inadvertently rotated before upper bearing 54 is It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiment herein illustrated and described, but may be used in other ways without departure from its spirit as defined by the following claims.

We claim: 1

1. A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors and means comprising a chuck for moving said sectors relatively to each other whereby the mandrel may be expanded or collapsed, the edges of each sector being in contact with the edges of the adjacent sector when said sectors are in expanded position.

2. A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors having their adjacent edges in contact with each other, in combination with means comprising a chuck for moving said sectors relatively to each other whereby the'radial dimensions of the mandrel are decreased. 1

3. A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors having their "adjacent edges'in contact with each other, in combination with means comprising a chuck for moving said sectors relatively to each other whereby the radialdimensions of the'mandrel are decreased, said chuck being -effective !to restore the sectors to their original positions.

4. A anandrelcomprising a plurality of sectors 'in combination with means for first moving some of said sectors inwardly and then moving the other sectors inwardly whereby the radial dimensions of the mandrel are decreased. 5. A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors in combination with means for first moving some of said sectors inwardly and then moving i of said sectors inwardly and then moving all the sectors simultaneously inwardly whereby the radial dimensions of the mandrel are decreased.

'7. A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors in combination with means for first moving some of said sectors inwardly and then moving all the sectors simultaneously inwardly whereby the radial dimensions of the mandrel are decreased, and means for restoring the sectors to their original positions.

8. A mandrel comprising a plurality of. sectors in combination with a chuck operable to first move some of said sectors inwardly and to then move the other sectors inwardly whereby the ra-- dial dimensions of the mandrel are decreased.

9. A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors in combination with a chuck operable to first move some of said sectors inwardly and to then move all the sectors simultaneously inwardly whereby the radialdimensions of the mandrel are decreased. I

10. A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors in combination with a chuck operable to first move some of said sectors inwardly and to then move all the sectors simultaneously inwardly whereby the radial dimensions of the mandrel are decreased, and means for restoring the sectors to their original positions.

11. A mandrel comprising four sectors ar ranged in two diametrically opposed similar pairs, in combination with means for first moving one of said pairs of sectors inwardly and afterwards moving the other of said pairs of sec- ;tors inwardly, for the purpose set forth.

12. A mandrel comprising four sectors arranged in two diametrically opposed similar pairs, in combination with means for first moving one of said pairs of sectors inwardly and afterwards moving the other of said pairs of sectors inwardly, for the purpose set forthyand means for restoring said pairs of sectors to their original positions.

13. A mandrel comprising four sectors arranged in two diametrically opposed similar pairs, in combination with means for first moving one of said pairs of sectors inwardly and afterwards moving both pairs of sectors inwardly, for the purpose set forth.

14. A mandrel comprising four sectors arranged in two diametrically opposed similar pairs, in combination with means for first moving one of said pairs of sectors inwardly and afterwards moving both pairs of sectors inwardly, for the purpose set forth, and means for restoring said pairs of sectors to their original positions.

15. A mandrel comprising four sectors arranged in two diametrically opposed similar pairs, in combination with means comprising a chuck for first moving one of the pairs of sectors ranged in two diametrically .opposed similar inwardly and afterwards moving' the other of said pairs of sectors inwardly, for the purpose set forth Y 16. A mandrel comprising four sectors ar-fi pairs, in combination with means comprising a chuck for first moving one of the pairs of sectors inwardly and afterwards moving the other of said pairs of sectors inwardly, for the, purpose I set forth, said chuck being effective to restore said pairs of sectors to their original positions.

17. A mandrel comprising four sectors arranged in two diametrically opposed similar pairs, in combination with'means comprising chuck for first moving one of said pairs of sectors inwardly and afterwards moving both pairs of sectors inwardly, for the purpose set forth.

,18. A mandrel comprising four sectors. arranged in ,two diametrically opposed similarq f pairs, in combination'with means comprising a chuck for first moving one of said pairs of sectors inwardlyand afterwards moving both pairs of sectors inwardly, for the purpose set forth, said chuckbeing effective to restoreysaid pairs of sectorsto their original positions, a

19. 'A chuck for movingthe sectors of a col-. lapsible mandrel, comprising a separate member for supporting each of said sectors, in combination with means for first moving certain selected members radially while holding the other members immovable, and afterwards moving the other members radially. V 1

20. Achuck for moving the se'ctorsof a collapsible mandrel, comprising a separate mem-f her for supporting cash of said sectors, in combination with means tor first moving certain selected members radially while holding the other members immovable, and afterwards simultaneously moving all said members radially.

21. A chuck for moving the sectors of a 001- lapsible mandrel, comprising a separate member for supporting each of said sectors, in combination with means comprising cams for first mov-' ing certain selected members radially while hold-I ing the other members immovable, and afterwards moving the other members radially.

22. A chuck for moving the sectors of a collapsible mandrel, comprising a separate member for supporting each of said sectors, in combinaf tion with means comprising cams for first moving certain selected members radially while holding the other members immovable, and afterwards moving the other members radially.

23. A chuck for moving the sectors of a col-' lapsible mandrel, comprising a separate memher for supporting each of said sectors in combination with a plate bearing cams adapted to engage said members, and means for causing relative circumferential motion between said members and said plate whereby certain selected members are moved radially while other mem bers are held radially immovable, and finally said other members are also moved radially.

24. A chuck for moving the sectors of a collapsi ble mandrel, comprising a separate member for supporting each of said sectors in combination with a plate bearing cams adapted to engage said members, and means for causing relative circumferential motion between said members and said plate whereby certain selected members are moved radially while other members are-held radially immovable, and finally all said members are moved radially. I

25. A chuck for moving the sectors of a col lapsible mandrel, comprising a separate member 1 for supporting each of said sectors, in combination with a plate bearing cams, adapted to engage said members; a brake for holding saidplatev bers are held radially immovable, and finally said other members are also moved radially.

- 27. A chuck for moving the sectors of a collapsible mandrel, comprising a separate member for supporting each of said sectors in combination with a plate bearing cams adapted to engage said members, a brake,means for actuating said brake to hold said plate stationary, and means for rotating said members relatively to said stationary plate whereby certainselected members are moved radially while other members are held radially immovable, and finally said othermembers are also moved radially.

28. A chuck for moving the sectors of a collapsible mandrel, comprising a separate member for supporting each of said sectors in combination with a plate bearing cams adapted to engage said members, a brake, means 'for actuating said brake to hold said plate stationary, and means for rotating said members relatively to said stat-ionary plate whereby certain selected members are moved radially while other members are held radially immovable, and finally all said members are moved radially.

I 29. The invention set forth in claim 27 in which said' brake actuating means comprises a spring for moving .saidactuating means in one direction and an air cylinder for moving it in the other direction. i v

7 30. The invention set forth in claim 28 in which said brake actuating means comprises a spring for moving said actuating means in one direction and an air cylinder for moving it in theother direction.

31.- A mandrel comprisinga plurality of sectors,

means for moving some of said sectors inwardly in successive order, and means co-acting with the aforesaid means for restoring the sectors to. their original positions. Y

32. 'A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors, means for moving pairsof said sectors inwardly in succession, and means co-acting with the aforesaid means for restoring the sectors to their original positions.

33." A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors,

means for moving some of said sectors inwardly ,in successive. order, means co-acting with .the 1 aforesaid means for restoring the sectors to their original positions, and means for holding the sectors against contraction when in their original positions.

34. A mandrel comprising a plurality of sectors, means for moving some of said sectors inwardly in successive order, means co-acting with the aforesaid means for restoring the sectors to their original positions, and means for rotating said sec tors as a unit.

351A mandrel comprising a plurality of sections, means for moving seriatum certain of said sections partially inwardly and. then simultaneously moving all of said sections fully inwardly.

THOMAS L. HUGHES. ALBERT E. TWIST, JR. 

